AI may be developing into a catalyst for a skills revolution where uniquely human capabilities like empathy and ethical decision-making become the most valuable assets at work instead of a technology that will replace human beings, according to a new report from Workday.
The report is based on a survey commissioned by Workday and fielded by Hanover Research in November and December 2024.
The study covered 2,500 full-time workers from a variety of industries across 22 countries spanning North America; Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA); and Asia-Pacific (APAC). There were 164 respondents who were based in Singapore.
While the rapid evolution to AI-powered agents stands to have a large impact on jobs, with many fearing it will lead to diminished roles or even unemployment, the study points to a more optimistic future.
The most active users of AI are most optimistic about its benefits, with a sentiment score of 4.23 out of 5. Meanwhile, those planning to adopt AI within the next 12 months show the lowest optimism with an average score of 3.89 out of 5.
AI helps free up human capacity for more meaningful work, with 93% of active AI users in agreement that AI allows them to focus more on higher-level responsibilities such as strategy and problem solving.
Although there are societal concerns about AI damaging trust, 90% of workers agree AI can play a significant role in increasing transparency and accountability in organisations, with leaders (92%) and employees (89%) closely aligned.
Where employees and leaders disagree is on the growing need for human connection in the age of AI. 82% of employees think it’s needed, while only 65% of managers agree.
Uniquely human skills such as ethical decision-making, empathy, relationship building, and conflict resolution are viewed as critical for success in an AI-driven economy.
According to the research, 83% of respondents believe AI will both elevate the importance of uniquely human skills and enhance human creativity, leading to new forms of economic value.
Of those actively using AI, nearly all (93%) agree that AI allows them to focus on higher-level responsibilities such as strategy and problem-solving. What’s more, active AI users consistently have positive perceptions of its benefits, with 92% of employees and 95% of leaders in agreement.
AI is already reshaping the workplace as 81% of participants in the study recognize that AI is changing the skills required for their jobs. The top three uses of AI today include data analysis (51%), fraud detection and security monitoring (43%), and HR and recruiting (39%).
And while some will need to develop new skills in order to use AI at work, they’ll also need to continue cultivating uniquely human skills in order to succeed. In fact, the data reveals a clear trend — human-centric skills are becoming more vital in the face of increasing AI adoption.
The skills deemed least likely to be replaced by AI are also considered the most valuable at work — ethical decision-making, connection and relationship building, emotional intelligence and empathy, and conflict resolution. Across multiple scenarios, ethical decision-making consistently ranked the most valuable human-centric skill, both today and in a future shaped by full AI adoption.
Still, a stark disparity is emerging between employees and leaders regarding the essential need for human connection in the workplace. While 82% of individual contributors believe the craving for human interaction will only intensify as AI usage increases, 65% of managers share this view.
This disconnect presents a critical opportunity for leaders to actively prioritize fostering genuine human connection and building strong relationships within their teams.